Lesser Spotted Dogfish

About: A small shark, growing up to 75cm long. Pale creamy brown with darker spots and blotches. Very rough skin. Large dark eyes and a small mouth. Dogfish are predators, feeding on shellfish and other small fish. Dogfish egg cases are known as 'mermaid's purse'.

How to identify: The most commonly seen 'shark', smaller and more spotty than the scarcer Large Spotted Dogfish.

Where: Found all round our shores.

Fantastic fact: Also known as Rock Salmon, under which name it sometimes appears on the menu in fish and chip shops.